The Renew Hub, which the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says is the biggest reuse and repair facility, has renovated and resold more than 50,000 items in its first year – diverting over 500 tonnes of material from going to landfill.
The GMCA says the Renew Hub, based at Trafford Park in Greater Manchester, has created 20 new jobs and is now launching its non-profit online shop to sell antiques, furniture and collectables. It continues that the project is also supporting schemes, including apprenticeships and a programme with Recycling Lives.
The Renew Hub is a 5000m2 operation that brings together mechanics, qualified technicians, specialist tradespeople, charities, and social enterprises to repair, recycle, reuse and sell preloved items that would have gone to waste across nine of the boroughs of Greater Manchester, the GMCA says.
Items are donated or set aside at all of the household waste recycling centres in Greater Manchester and brought to the Hub for refurbishment and resale through an online shop and three shops located at household waste recycling centres in Oldham, Salford and Trafford.
The Renew Hub represents a major opportunity to change the way we reuse, recycle, and cut emissions from waste.
The GMCA says the facility is almost ready to welcome visitors to use as a community space, education facility and event venue – this will be opened in the coming months.
All proceeds from the sale of preloved items go towards the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, which the GMCA says benefits local people directly and community groups working towards reducing waste, recycling and reuse.
The GMCA says that among the items sold in the Hub’s first year are 1,984 electronic items, 953 bikes, 745 pieces of soft furniture and 5,287 pieces of hard furniture.
The Renew Hub has already sold 360 of the 500 tonnes of donated items via the traditional shops and 65 tonnes has gone directly to charities across Greater Manchester to support people on low incomes and in crisis, the GMCA says.
We have a big target to hit in Greater Manchester in terms of going carbon neutral by 2038.
GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region and Waste and Recycling, Cllr Martyn Cox, said: “We have a big target to hit in Greater Manchester in terms of going carbon neutral by 2038, and the Renew Hub represents a major opportunity to change the way we reuse, recycle, and cut emissions from waste.
“That ethos of a more circular economy doesn’t just mean cutting waste and reusing items but also making sure that what happens at the Hub benefits people and projects here in Greater Manchester.
“We’re supporting charities and community groups that are rehoming people in need, providing quality goods that actually have a long life left in them, and our shops are offering an alternative to expensive brand new products for local residents to access.
“It’s our hope that people across the country will see the difference being made here, and think twice the next time they plan to throw something away.”